{"id":74405,"date":"2026-02-16T11:17:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T10:17:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/kunskapshubb\/generic-or-specific-data-in-lca-how-do-you-ensure-the-right-data-quality\/"},"modified":"2026-07-01T10:57:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T08:57:17","slug":"generic-or-specific-data-in-lca-how-do-you-ensure-the-right-data-quality","status":"publish","type":"kunskapshub","link":"https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/en\/kunskapshubb\/generic-or-specific-data-in-lca-how-do-you-ensure-the-right-data-quality\/","title":{"rendered":"Generic or Specific Data in LCA: How Do You Ensure the Right Data Quality?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Generic or Specific Data in LCA: How Do You Ensure the Right Data Quality?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Generic LCI data is often sufficient to identify hotspots, represent smaller flows, and get started with an LCA. If the analysis is to be used for an EPD, follow-up of improvements, or strategic decisions, parts of the model need to be based on specific primary data. The key is to use the right data level in the right part of the life cycle \u2014 and this is where experience, ISO standards, and EPD rules help us. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Collecting Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) data for the entire value chain \u2014 from raw materials and transport to production, use, and end-of-life management \u2014 can feel extensive. At the same time, it is rarely necessary or reasonable to have primary data at every stage. The question is therefore not whether you should choose generic or specific data, but where it makes the greatest difference to the credibility and usefulness of the results. If you are unsure what data you need, we recommend seeking support from an experienced life cycle analyst to ensure that you focus on the relevant parts of the value chain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What Are Generic and Specific LCI Data?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
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Specific primary LCI data describes your actual process or product. It is collected where you, or your supplier, have operational control \u2014 for example, the actual electricity mix, energy use per process step, material consumption, and waste. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Generic secondary LCI data<\/strong> represents an average or typical scenario for a region, technology, or time period. It is often taken from databases such as ecoinvent <\/a>and makes it possible to model complex value chains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When Is Generic Data Sufficient in an LCA?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Generic data is often a wise starting point. It makes it possible to model the entire life cycle, identify preliminary hotspots, and create an initial baseline without extensive data collection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Generic data is particularly suitable when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n